Salem, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Senate voted to pass legislation that will ensure all Oregon children have the same access to health care. Senate Bill 558 will extend health care coverage through the Oregon Health Plan to more than 17,000 kids currently excluded because of their residency status. The bill received bipartisan support.

Leading a coalition of nearly a hundred organizations that have backed Cover All Kids, including community based organizations, CCOs, insurers, hospitals, educators, labor unions and community members, the Oregon Latino Health Coalition issued the following statement from Alberto Moreno, Executive Director:

“As Oregonians, we believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed in school and life—and staying healthy is key to that success. Today, we applaud the Oregon Senate for taking us another step closer to a stronger and more equitable future, where every child has the health care they need to reach their full potential.

Our senate did the right thing by passing Cover All Kids. Without this legislation, more than 17,000 kids will have remained uninsured, forced to rely on episodic and emergency care that does not meet their health care needs. No child should face needless suffering and even death from a treatable condition. This is the time for Oregon to affirm its commitment to all of her children.

We thank our Senate members for continuing to stand up for our core values and do right by all children. And we thank Senate President Courtney for his leadership along with Senators Boquist, Kruse, Monnes Anderson and Roblan who co-sponsored the legislation.

We cannot accept a system where kids are denied critical medical coverage because of their residency status, putting their health and their futures at risk. Today’s vote was an important step forward and the Oregon Latino Health Coalition will continue to work hard to ensure health coverage for all the children who call Oregon home.”